Let the games begin

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Let the games begin" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to signal the start of a competition, event, or activity, often in a playful or dramatic context. Example: "As the teams lined up on the field, the coach raised his arms and shouted, 'Let the games begin!'"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Let the games begin!

The New York Times

"Let the games begin," he said.

The New York Times

"Let the Games begin," followed India's President, Pratibha Patil.

Independent

Let the Games Begin The place feels throbbingly alive.

The New York Times - Arts

Let the Games Begin It was never as bitter a competition as that for the 2012 Olympic Games.

The New York Times

Let the games begin!" Jan Williams, then the White House's liaison to the Justice Department, said in an e-mail message two days later.

The New York Times

Let the games begin... Day 2 Middlesborough We started the day off with a pop-up show at a YMCA in Bradford where Rizzle Kicks did some freestyling before Maximo Park played.

The Guardian - Music

"Let the games begin, I guess," he said.

TechCrunch

Let the games begin here.

Huffington Post

Let the games begin, The Baietto Brothers.

Huffington Post

"Let the games begin," said Joan Storms, retail analyst at..

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Let the games begin" to create anticipation and excitement at the start of a project, event, or competition. It's an idiomatic way to signal commencement.

Common error

Avoid using "Let the games begin" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing sound cliché. Opt for more specific language if appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Let the games begin" functions as an idiomatic expression used to announce or signal the start of a competition, activity, or period of intense activity. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "Let the games begin" is a widely recognized idiomatic expression used to signal the start of a competition, challenge, or any significant event. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, predominantly in News & Media. This phrase serves to build anticipation and excitement. While versatile, it's essential to avoid overuse, which can diminish its impact. Alternatives like "may the contest commence" or "let the competition start" can provide a more formal tone if needed. Ultimately, mastering the art of using "Let the games begin" lies in understanding its purpose and context to create the desired effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

May the contest commence

Emphasizes the formal start of a competition or challenge, suggesting a more structured event.

Let the competition start

Directly indicates the beginning of a competitive activity, maintaining a straightforward tone.

It's time to start the ball rolling

Suggests initiating an activity or project, shifting the focus from competition to general action.

Bring it on

This expression is more challenging and confrontational, and expresses more directly a desire for the start of a conflict or difficult situation

The fun is about to start

Focuses on the enjoyable aspect of an upcoming activity, rather than competition.

The show is about to begin

Implies a performance or event is starting, differing from a competitive context.

Action stations

An exclamation to take position and prepare for an emergency or period of intense activity

All systems go

Indicates readiness and permission to proceed, removing the element of challenge.

Here we go

A general expression of embarking on something, which can be anything from a small journey to a new phase

The curtain rises

Focuses on dramatic art performance

FAQs

How can I use "Let the games begin" in a sentence?

You can use "Let the games begin" to signal the start of a competition, event, or any significant activity. For example, "With the new rules in place, let the games begin!"

What's a more formal way to say "Let the games begin"?

In a more formal context, consider using phrases like "may the contest commence" or "let the competition start" to convey a similar meaning with a more serious tone.

Is "Let the games begin" only used for actual games?

No, "Let the games begin" is not limited to literal games. It can be used metaphorically to describe the start of any challenging or competitive situation, even in business or personal contexts.

What's the origin of the phrase "Let the games begin"?

The phrase "Let the games begin" is often associated with the ancient Olympic Games, where it would signal the start of the competitions. Its modern usage extends to various contexts beyond sports.